Board Members for Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 Announced
The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is proud to introduce an exceptional group of individuals who will serve as trustees and key figures in the event's leadership. Led by Vicky Gosling (MBE, OBE), their diverse mix of expertise from military, business, sports, law, and public service, will bring unparalleled experience to support the Games' mission of inspiring and uplifting communities worldwide. Helen Helliwell, CEO of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, described the board as ‘a powerhouse of expertise, perfectly aligned to deliver an unforgettable Games that will leave a lasting legacy’.
Vicky Gosling (OBE)
Chair of the Board
As announced on January 14th, 2025, Vicky Gosling will serve as the chair of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 board. With over 20 years in the Royal Air Force and leadership roles in sport, military, and business, Vicky has been instrumental in the Invictus Games, serving as Military Executive Lead in 2014 and CEO in 2016. She also leads in sport as CEO of GB Snowsport and Chair of GB Surfing, while advocating for diversity and inclusion in business. Recognised with an MBE and OBE, Vicky is committed to driving positive change. Sharing her enthusiasm for this role, she commented: “I am delighted to have been selected as the Chair of the Board for the Invictus Games 2027. A return to the UK for the 2027 event fills me with pride and I look forward to providing my guidance and experience to the board and executive team.”
Lieutenant General (Retd) Richard Nugee (CB, CVO, CBE)
Trustee and Chair of the People Committee
Lt General Richard Nugee, was commissioned into the British Army in 1986, culminating as Chief of Defence People, overseeing 3.5 million veterans, civil servants, and Armed Forces personnel. After a distinguished career, he led a review of Defence's approach to Climate Change and Sustainability, earning global recognition for integrating these issues into Defence and National Security. Now, Richard holds multiple leadership roles, fellowships, and trusteeships across various organisations, with a particular focus on renewable energy and environmental sustainability startups; where he sits as chair, director and advisor across multiple organisations.
David Noon
Trustee and Chair of Audit & Risk Committee
David is a senior partner and Vice Chair at Deloitte LLP, with over 20 years as an equity partner. David manages the firms relationship with a large FTSE 100 global client, and manages its connections with Westminster and Whitehall. In his personal life, David is a keen golfer and sports enthusiast, living in Malmesbury with his wife Kathryn of 30 years and currently serving as Vice Chair of Governors at Malmesbury School.
Melloney Poole (OBE)
Trustee and Vice Chair
Melloney, a charity and public administrative law lawyer since 2003, has 25 years of experience in high-value corporate law. She led the legal and governance functions for Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund, and Big Lottery Fund, and earned an OBE in 2011. In 2015, she established the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, now an independent charitable trust and NDPB. She has also served as a director and chair for several NHS Trusts, including Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust and Isle of Wight NHS Trust, and has been involved in various charitable roles, including as a magistrate and volunteer for cancer and community organisations.
Jack Averty
Trustee
A trained journalist originally from Jersey, Jack began his career at the Express & Star in Wolverhampton. Now, he is the founder of Trinity Leadership, where he advises senior leaders on communications, reputation, and personal branding. Previously, he served as Chief of Staff to former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, helping lead one of Britain's youngest and most diverse regions. He is a strong advocate for the importance of local media, and honesty and transparency in communication, and a big believer in the power of sport to inspire. Outside of work, he enjoys music and is an avid golfer, though he’s often busy with his three young boys and two lively dogs.
Chris Conneally
Trustee
Chris has over two decades of experience in major projects, sports, and events – namely, serving as an advisor to the International Olympic Committee on venues and event delivery. Chris has worked on six Olympic and Paralympic Games and was part of the UK & Ireland's successful bid team for Euro2028. Chris collaborates with governments, national governing bodies, and private organisations to execute world-class projects through all phases, from bid preparation to operational delivery.
Professor Martin Levermore (MBE)
Trustee
With roles such as the Chair of Medilink Midlands, CEO of Medical Devices Technology International Ltd (MDTi), and an advisor to Cancer Research UK – Professor Martin Levermore’s 25-year career in the Life Science sector is immensely impressive. In addition to serving as a non-executive director on the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Board, he is a senior associate with the Royal Society of Medicine, a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Martin also acts as the independent person for the Home Office Windrush Compensation Scheme, holds a Visiting Professorship at Birmingham City University, and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands in 2018. Martin previous served in the Army in EOD (Explosive ordnance disposal technician).
Paul McCrudden
Trustee
Paul is a sports tech director with extensive experience in commercial partnerships, marketing, and media. His governance roles include trustee at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, non-executive director at Card Factory, advisory board member for the National Trust, and chair of an ACE-funded arts organization. As Chief Customer & Marketing Officer at OnePlan, he led a groundbreaking partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Paul has also held leadership roles at Eventbrite, Twitter, and various advertising agencies. Passionate about sport’s positive impact on lives, he also manages a youth academy football team in his spare time.
Sir David Thompson (QPM, DL)
Trustee
Sir David Thompson is the current chair of “United by 2022”, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Legacy charity, and the former Chief Constable of West Midlands Police. With extensive experience in major events, including the Manchester 2002 and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, he now works in consultancy and non-executive roles, whilst balancing his role as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant in the West Midlands.
Anisha Worbs
Board Observer
Anisha is the Director of the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA), which is part of the Ministry of Defence and supports UK veterans and their families. The OVA works across government and beyond to help veterans contribute meaningfully to society after their service. Anisha has held leadership roles in several government departments, including the Cabinet Office, the former Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and the Home Office, focusing on economic and social policy, legislation, and strategy.
Sharon Thompson
Independent Adviser
Sharon is the deputy leader of Birmingham City Council and Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority. Sharon is the Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills. The new portfolio enables her to continue her work on major sporting events, skills, jobs, apprenticeships, Cost of Living, Levelling Up and Devolution. In addition, she has political leadership responsibility for the international promotion of the city and inward investment, promotion of the city with partners such as West Midlands Growth Company.
With board members such as this, from a diverse group of professional backgrounds, these individuals are committed to collectively upholding the Games’ core mission of supporting wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Their collective experience will play a vital role in delivering a world-class event that continues to inspire and empower the global community and deliver meaningful impact and legacy across the UK and beyond.